Description

These Crispy Air-Fried Chicken Tenders are a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken, featuring a crunchy, flavorful coating made from whole-wheat breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic, onion powder, and oregano, they cook quickly in an air fryer to a perfect golden brown, making them an ideal quick and delicious meal or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1.1 lbs chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips

Coating

3/4 cup whole-wheat breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Wet Mixture

2 large eggs
2 tablespoons low-fat milk

Other

Olive oil spray

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Instructions

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes to ensure it is ready for cooking the chicken tenders evenly and crisply.
Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating stick better and results in a crispier texture.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and low-fat milk until combined. This mixture will help the breadcrumb coating adhere to the chicken.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix the whole-wheat breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create a flavorful coating blend.
Coat Chicken Strips: Dip each chicken strip into the egg and milk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat evenly and thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well.
Arrange and Spray: Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Lightly spray both sides with olive oil to promote browning and crispiness.
Air Fry: Cook the chicken tenders at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Cook until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
Serve: Serve the chicken tenders hot with your choice of dipping sauce for a delicious and crispy meal or snack.

Notes

Using whole-wheat breadcrumbs adds extra fiber and nutrients compared to regular breadcrumbs.
Patting the chicken dry before coating is essential for a crispy crust.
Flipping the tenders halfway through cooking helps to brown them evenly on both sides.
You can substitute the low-fat milk with any plant-based milk if you prefer a dairy-free version.
Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more or less salt and spices based on preference.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American